16 problems related to gasoline engine have been reported for the 1996 Plymouth Neon. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
The head gasket and camshaft seal have simultaneously failed.
I purchased my 1996 Neon in September of 2000. I have not even had it for a year and now it requires major engine work. Daimlerchrysler should be held accountable for this problem, which is a manufacturer's error, although it has not been recalled. I tried to have my car serviced at smith Chrysler Plymouth (12300 san pablo Ave. Richmond,CA 94805)(510-215-4712), a local Chrysler dealership, where an employee in the service department took it upon himself to tell me that he would need 400 dollars up front before looking at the car. If he found the problem to be a blown head gasket, the repair would be a total of about 800 dollars plus any other parts that might need to be replaced. This gentleman waited for the tow truck to leave and then preceded with the statement "well, the truck left you. . . What are you going to do?" I felt that this gentleman lacked professionalism, which reflected the whole service department because when I called back, the manager basically blew me off and told me that I misunderstood his employee, which I know is incorrect. Daimlerchrysler knows that 1995-1998 Neons blow head gaskets quite frequently, but they refuse to pay for the repairs. Entire websites are devouted to head gasket problems on Plymouth Neons, there is even a rumor of a "goodwill policy" on behalf of Chrysler, acknowledging their error by paying for parts of the repair. As a college student, I do not have money to pay for such costly repairs. I feel that daimlerchrysler and the dealership who treated me so unfairly should follow ethical business practices and fix the problem, which is a manufacturer's error.
While traveling on highway and without prior warning vehicle will cut off. Dealer is aware of the problem.
I have heard too many complaint on these problems not only from other Neon owners, but dealership mechanics as well. Last Chrysler product that I will ever purchase. No safety defect mentioned.
Upcoming engine catastrophic failure due to water/ oil mixing.
I have had non-stop problems with the car since day one. It is getting to costly to keep repairing the same problems over and over again. I am really disappointed in the help I have received from the dealership in regards to the several problems I have had with the car. No safety defect mentioned in summary.
No summary listed for above vehicle.
While driving vehicle died and had to be towed. Put in battery/fuel pump and a starter, and vehicle still cut off. Dealer didn't seem to know what the problem was. Consumer felt unsafe when traveling.
No summary included for abov evehicle.
Seems to be common complaint,many others noted by independent service.
No summary.
Front brakes squeel/chatter at low speeds, front end noisey on rough roads.
While driving vehicle just stops running, consumer states this has been happening for 3 years, it started right after warranty ended, vehicle has been to dealership numerous times and dealership states there is nothing wrong with vehicle, however the vehicle will barely start at all.
Oil mechanism failure.
Vehicle fire.
Multiple problems with car from engine to wiring. Not happy with car contacted manufacturer and they would not do anything about the problem car!.